Orofacial physiotherapy: specialist in jaw, head and facial pain

With pain in your face, jaws, head or neck, you might quickly think of the dentist or GP. But did you know that there is a specialised form of physiotherapy that addresses precisely these complaints? Orofacial physiotherapists are experts in treating muscle and joint problems in the head and neck area. They provide relief for complaints that often remain misunderstood, such as jaw disorders (TMD), teeth grinding, headaches and facial pain.

What does an orofacial physiotherapist do?

These therapists treat disorders of the masseter, neck, head and sometimes even shoulders. Common complaints are:

• Pain or fatigue in the masseter muscles
• Restricted mouth opening or jaw joint complaints (TMD)
• Facial pain or headache due to muscle tension
• Complaints after surgery in the head and neck area
• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism)
• Neck pain with radiation to the head

Treatment usually consists of a combination of explanation of the complaint, exercises, posture advice, massage and relaxation techniques. This helps you learn to deal better with your symptoms and prevent them from returning.

A practical example

Anneke aged 44, had been working for years with recurrent tension headaches and a clicking jaw. Her dentist recommended a bit, but that did not help enough. Through her GP, she ended up at an orofacial physiotherapist. There, she discovered that she unconsciously tensed her jaw during stressful moments. She was given exercises to relax her jaws and learned how to improve her posture. After a few weeks, she felt significantly better and had much less pain.

Science and effectiveness

Orofacial physiotherapy is a recognised speciality within physiotherapy. Research shows that people with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), a collective term for jaw joint complaints - often benefit from a conservative approach such as physiotherapy. According to a study published in Journal of Oral Rehabilitation (2021), symptoms improved in 70% of patients after a treatment course with physiotherapy focused on muscle relaxation and restoration of function.

Another important advantage: this therapy focuses not only on symptom relief, but also on finding underlying causes, such as stress, incorrect breathing or mouth behaviour.

Collaboration with other healthcare providers

Orofacial physiotherapists often collaborate with dentists, general practitioners, oral surgeons or psychologists. This gives you, the patient, a broader-based treatment plan. Especially with complex pain complaints, such cooperation is essential.